Laker Lines, Friday, November 22, 2013

Volume 8, #136

New in this Issue

Open Enrollment Ends Today

Your current 2013 dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending and disability plans will end Dec. 31, 2013 -- and you will not have coverage in 2014 if you don't make new elections before Friday, Nov. 22, 2013!

Open Enrollment ends today, so you have to elect any benefit plans you wish to continue in 2014 and to certify your tobacco status to avoid a $50 surcharge if you are electing a medical plan. You must log into ADP to make elections for any plans you wish to have in 2014.

Human Resources apologizes for the inconvenience, however, the volume of calls and emails is extremely high that and may not be able to return every call and email before Friday. If we have not already responded to your call or email, please contact the Shared Services Call Center so that you may complete your enrollment on time.

Shared Services is a fully staffed call center with trained, knowledgeable benefits professionals who will be able to answer all of your questions and provide any assistance you need for Open Enrollment including ADP logins and password assistance.

Also, this note from HR Director Tom Gausvik – the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has no significant impact on Open Enrollment. More information on ACA will be forthcoming from HR shortly.

Clayton State and Spivey Hall Featured on GPB TV's "GEORGIA TRAVELER" this Weekend

Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall will be featured on GPB TV’s “Georgia Traveler” Program this weekend, airing on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m., followed by an encore on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m.

According to Spivey Hall Executive & Artistic Director Sam Dixon…

“They filmed a great deal which will probably be reduced to but minutes and glimpses, and MAY include: Clayton State Division of Music staff accompanist Alex Benford playing the organ; Spivey Hall organ curator Tommy McCook (of Widener & Co.) explaining special features of the Albert Schweitzer Memorial Organ, created by Fratelli Ruffatti; me describing Spivey Hall’s origins, mission, and programming, and demonstrating our family of pianos (Emilie, Walter, Clara, and Bessie); an interview with Spivey Hall Children’s Choir artistic director Dr. Martha Shaw; and the Spivey Hall Tour Choir with conductor Dr. Shaw and assistant director/accompanist Judy Mason.”

Payroll Services would like to remind all employees who are close to or above the 360 hour vacation accrual that eTime vacation balances will reset to 360 hours effective Jan. 1, 2014.

Also, please note, Clayton State University’s winter holidays are Monday through Friday, Dec. 23 through Dec. 27. The campus will be open for business on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31.

If you do not wish to work Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, you must have your supervisor’s prior approval, and a vacation request must be submitted through eTime.

Kemboi to Compete in NCAA Division II National Cross Country Meet Saturday

Clayton State men’s cross country runner Job Kemboi will compete Saturday in the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championships in Spokane, Wash. The men’s 10K race will begin at 11:30 a.m., Pacific Time, and the championship will streamed live at http://www.ncaa.com/liveschedule.

Secure Your Property

Public Safety has recently received reports of both personal and university property being missing or stolen from campus buildings. These reports, along with the beginning of the holiday season, prompts the need for a few security reminders.

All campus offices, storage rooms, and other work space areas should be locked when not in actual use. Just a brief absence to chat with a colleague or grab a cup of coffee could provide an opportunity for someone to gain unauthorized access to your office. Someone with prior knowledge of the location of items of value may only need seconds for entry and seizure of an IPad, cell phone, or other easily removable items.

The same advice is recommended for students in their residences. Most students have one or more roommates, and should ensure the safety of their personal space and property when absent.

Although you may trust your roommates, do you also know and trust every visitor to the residence?

Also, when you leave for the holidays, it is suggested to conduct an inventory of all property in your office or apartment that has significant value and either ensure it is adequately secured, or better yet, carry it with you.

These are just a few reminders that should be practiced routinely, and especially during extended absences.

New Accountant for Auxiliary Services

Carolina Amero is pleased to announce that Janet Kimble has joined Clayton State University as the new Accountant for Auxiliary Services, effective Nov. 14, 2013.

Prior to accepting the position at Clayton State, she spent 12 years at Emory University working as a senior accountant in the Office of Financial Aid as well as the Office of Resident Life & Housing. Kimble earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree from Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Fla., and a Master of Business Administration from DeVry University, Keller Graduate School of Management.

Join the Great American Smokeout and break free from tobacco. For more information about how to access this service in Clayton County, please contact Katrina Brantley, CCBOH Community Wellness Manager, at (678) 610-7428 or katrinabrantley@dhr.state.ga.us.

This Week

Fairly Odd Players Fall Production, Nov. 22

The Fairly Odd Players’ fall student production, "Hush Little Celia, Don't Say a Word," will be taking place on Nov. 22 in room G132 (The Clayton State Theatre) of the Arts & Sciences Building, starting at 7:30 p.m.

This play was chosen by students, and is being starred by students, directed by students, and designed by students.

Brief synopsis: Celia doesn't speak. Her teachers want to know why. Her father is angry at her. Her psychologist wants to help her. But fellow student Todd only wants to get close to her. And, through persistence, bad poetry, and a bizarre audition for a production of Romeo and Juliet, he does. A gem of a play about love, psychology, and what happens to kids when they go unheard.

HUB Closing Early Today

The HUB will be celebrating the annual HUB Thanksgiving on Nov. 22. Walkup locations will close at 11 a.m. Phones will be closed from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Email will still be availableMen’s Basketball vs. Claflin, Nov. 23

The Clayton State men’s basketball team will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 23, hosting Claflin in their regular season home opener. Tip-off for Saturday’s game at the Athletics Center is 4 p.m.

Upcoming

The Thanksgiving-themed meal at the Lakeside Dining Hall has been rescheduled for next Tuesday, Nov. 26. We apologize for the date change. We hope you can make it next Tuesday to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and co-workers!

The Door price for lunch is $8.50 + tax, or a meal plan swipe. Thanksgiving lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Loch Shop Participating in the Help Us Crush Hunger Campaign, to Nov. 27

As part of Student Success/National Student Day, and just because we feel like it, The Loch Shop will be collecting donations for the Help Us Crush Hunger campaign now through Oct. 31. (That’s Crush, as in Orange Crush.) Donate a non-perishable food Item or laundered, gently-worn clothing and receive a 25 percent discount on gifts and clothing at The Loch Shop, through Oct. 31. (Discount does not apply to Clearance items.)

In addition, The Loch Shop will be collecting the names of each person who donates, and the person who donates the most items between now and Oct. 31 will win a special prize which will be announced at the Annual Loch Shop Costume Contest.

The clothing donations will stay on campus and be part of the Laker Locker and the food donations will go to a local food bank (TBD).

The Clayton State University Department of Visual & Performing Arts presents the Clayton Community Big Band (CCBB) under the direction of Stacey Houghton, with Assistant Director Art Thompson, in “What's the Name of that Song?"

These selections from the American songbook will be presented on Monday, Dec. 2, in Spivey Hall at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

After previous performances of jazz-related material, the Clayton Community Big Band under the direction of Stacey Houghton returns to classic selections from American popular song for its latest Spivey Hall offering. The preferences were all chosen from 50 golden years of American song history that spans from the turn of the 20th Century until the 1950s.

Each song is given a fresh instrumental treatment from some of the finest big band arrangers, featuring such settings as swing, Latin, ballad, and contemporary rhythms. Such melodies as I Love You, All The Things You Are, and Bye Bye Blackbird have been cherished by many generations, and the CCBB presents its arrangements in full assurance that current audiences will also love these classic melodies.

SBDC Starting a Business Workshop, Dec. 3

SBDC will hold its next Starting a Business Workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Natural and Behavioral Sciences Building, room 139.

If you are considering starting a small business, this workshop is a crucial first step.

Topics for discussion include:
* traits of successful entrepreneurs
* market research
* legal structures for your business
* estimating start-up costs & cash flow projections
* financing alternatives
* business failure factors
* business planning
Since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail, attending this comprehensive workshop may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your business.
A detailed business start-up book, "How to Start A Business: A Guide for Georgia Entrepreneurs", and other handouts are provided.

Clayton State students and staff receive 50 percent off registration; contact Heather Chaney at heatherchaney@clayton.edu for the discount code. Or, receive 50 percent off each additional person with the purchase of one registration at full price, $69. All registrations must be made at the same time in order to receive this discount. This discount cannot be combined or used with any other discount or coupon. For more information, please contact Chaney at (678) 466-5100.

City of Morrow Gearing Up for Annual Family Christmas Event, Dec. 7

On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Morrow Business & Tourism Association and Events By Mete’Dela will present the City of Morrow’s Annual Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Celebrationat Milton Daniel City Hall Park (1500 Morrow Rd.) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Like years past, Christmas in the Park will feature various activities for the whole family such as live entertainment, food, vendors, children’s activities, and a tree lighting ceremony.

“That special time of year is drawing near and we are preparing to continue Morrow’s holiday tradition of sponsoring a family-friendly event to celebrate Christmas,” says Michael Sakowitz Twomey, president of Morrow Business & Tourism Association. “We are thrilled to work with Events by Mete’Dela to help us make this year’s Christmas in the Park the best it’s ever been. I’m confident that Morrow residents will be pleased.”

Events by Mete’Dela’s founder, Melinda Brundidge explained, “City of Morrow’s Annual Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Celebration will have something for children and adults alike. There will be plenty of great food and holiday treats to indulge in. Families can sing their favorite Christmas carols together with featured gospel choirs. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will greet children and pose for pictures. Various vendors will be available so attendees can do some holiday shopping. And, residents can enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas by viewing a live nativity scene and beautiful Christmas decorations of City Hall Park.”

The annual event will also feature live entertainment. In addition to a having a live band and various gospel choirs, Christmas in the Park will feature renowned recording artists. Singer Gwen Hughes, who is heralded as Atlanta’s Institution due to her expressive voice and stage presence, will perform at this year’s event. And, legendary Jazz musician, Theresa Hightower, will grace the stage as one of Atlanta’s greatest talents.

Christmas in the Park will conclude with a beautiful tree lighting ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

You can “buy it now” on line, or come to Spivey Hall on Saturday, Dec. 7, starting at 6 p.m., to bid on your favorite items. All proceeds support the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir program.

Southern Crescent Symphony Concert, Dec. 13

The Southern Crescent Symphony, conducted by Clayton State Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Richard Bell, along with the Rick Massengale Trio, will present a Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m., at the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church.

The program will include Christmas favorites performed by the orchestra and the jazz trio along with a sing-a-long of Christmas Carols. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Survivors Network. The church is located at 175 East Lanier Ave., Fayetteville.

Clayton State University professors Dr. Christina Howell, performing the role of Despina, and Dr. Kurt-Alexander Zeller, director, are both involved in Peach State Opera's upcoming performance of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte, being performed locally at the Avondate First Baptist Church, 47 Covington Rd., Avondale Estates, Ga., at 3 p.m. on Jan. 11, 2014.

Ticket prices are $22 (adult general admission), $20 senior (over 60), $10 students (including college students with ID) and are available at the door or at the website: www.peachstateopera.org.

Clayton State to Launch Digital Film Technician Certificate Program in February 2014

The Center for Continuing Education at Clayton State University will be launching a new program in February 2014 that will have a major impact on individuals, economic development and a growing industry in metro Atlanta… and provide another way to make dreams real.

The Digital Film Technician Certificate program is a two-course program with day and evening classes that is designed to introduce students to production of digital media and film. Digital Film Tech Training I, scheduled to launch on Feb. 18, 2014 for the evening course and Mar. 3, 2014 for the day course, is designed for students with no background in digital media, as well as those students with some experience or coursework in the field. Digital Film Tech II, which will start in the summer of 2014, is a follow-up course designed to help students achieve a level of film/media production skills that will promote employability and/or the ability to become independent contractors.

Both courses are designed, and will be taught by, Barton Bond, who comes to Clayton State from New Mexico with 45 years of experience working in electronic media, the last 25 years being teaching on the college level.

Loch Shop News

Shop for the Holidays at ClaytonStateGear

Looking for a unique gift for the holidays? Consider logging on to www.claytonstategear.com, where you can literally get one-of-kind Clayton State-themed gifts. Everything from golf equipment to tailgating items to bleacher chairs.

More Deals from The Loch Shop

We’ve added additional items to our Loch Shop Clearance Sale! Come by and see the new discounted styles. Look for the stickers – Orange is $5, Yellow is $10, Pink is $15 and Green is $20.

Just arrived – looking for a new hoodie? Do we have a deal for you. Buy the sweatshirt for $29.99, get the matching t-shirt for $5 (normally a $50 value). This deal is too good to pass up!

Announcements

President Hynes Announces "Making Things Better" Awards

Great work deserves recognition. Individuals who make differences in the lives of people at Clayton State University and the community we serve are the source of our strength and pride. Success should inspire even greater success.

Accordingly, the President’s “Making Things Better” Awards recognize great work by our colleagues. Awards are made via an annual nomination and review process. Up to six, $500 cash awards are given annually, generously funded by the Clayton State University Foundation.

Any member of the Clayton State community may make a nomination, and an eligible nominee can be an individual, or any group of people, drawn from Clayton State faculty, staff and/or students.

Any nominee (whether an individual or a group) is eligible for only one $500 award per annual award cycle. Nominees may be made in multiple years; however, winners of the President’s “Making Things Better” Awards are excluded from the award for the next two award cycles.

For more information, go to the official The President’s “Making Things Better” Awards website at http://www.clayton.edu/makingthingsbetter.“We do hope that you will go to the Web Site listed here for more information,” says Hynes. “We also hope that you will nominate colleagues you believe help make things better here at Clayton State. And thanks as always for all you do.”

This document has been compiled by the Budget Office to include the processes and procedures for all the business functions here at Clayton State University. Even though it is titled Budget Managers Handbook, it contains pertinent information for all employees such as Travel, Payroll, etc. Please let your employees know that this document is available to answer some of their questions about the business functions.

Clayton State University Top Workplace Survey

As you may know, Clayton State was a Top Ten Award winner in last year’s Atlanta Journal Constitution Top Workplace in Atlanta program. The University has been nominated again this year and will be participating in this year’s survey hoping to be recognized as one of Atlanta’s Top Workplaces in 2014.

You will receive an email with a link to an online survey within the next week. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and provide us with your feedback.

The survey is being conducted by WorkplaceDynamics LLP, an independent research company. To protect your confidentiality, WorkplaceDynamics will not disclose your individual responses to Clayton State University. Furthermore, your department or group scores will only be disclosed if there are at least six survey takers in your group. However, please note that managers at Clayton State University may see the optional written comments on the final page of the survey. If you wish to make a comment please do not write anything that will identify you as an individual.
Please note:
• If you do not receive the survey email within the next week, then please check your spam or junk email for a message from "Workplace Survey". To open the survey invitation, you may first need to mark the email as not spam.
• If you accidentally delete the survey email, then you will receive a reminder email a few days later that will allow you to take the survey.
• Please do not forward the survey email to a colleague, as each email has a unique code to prevent multiple responses from a single person.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact WorkplaceDynamics directly at (800) 405-8381 or reply to your survey email.

Media and Printing Services Relocating

Media and Printing Services will be closed due to relocation from Dec. 9 to Dec. 12, 2013.

Their new place of business will be in Faculty Hall, room 126. If you have any duplication needs during this time frame please plan in advance.

Orders will be processed until 5 p.m. on Dec. 2.

Copiers/machines are being dismantled and will be moved on Dec. 5.

All other materials are being moved on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.

Media and Printing Services will reopen on Dec. 13, in Faculty Hall.

There will be no pickup or delivery from Dec. 9 to Dec. 12.

Benefits Fair Winning Tickets

The following ticket numbers won prizes that were not claimed at the Benefits Fair. Prizes are available for pickup in the HR office Friday after 9 a.m.

This past week Human Resources experienced some staff changes. To keep things running smoothly, Director Tom Gausvik wanted to provide you with the names of our staff and a list of their respective duties. Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues. If you need assistance, please feel free to call any of us directly.

Campus communications have been disseminated advising of the new Science Building construction impact on parking lots and roadways. Now that the changes are in place, this is a reminder that a large section of parking Lot D has been designated for faculty and staff only. There are signs at each end of these sections, but many student vehicles are still being parked there.

Our officers are paying attention to this lot as well as the part of Lot G that was redesignated for students only. Citations will be issued for those parking in violation of the designated signage.

We realize that the construction significantly impacts parking on campus, but also want to remind everyone of the availability of open parking in Lots K and L near the tennis courts. These lots were surveyed at peak times this week, and had minimal occupancy.

Also, now that Snelling Drive will used as the primary route to access the back side of campus, please use caution and adhere to the established speed limit when using this roadway. Also, watch for pedestrians walking along Snelling to and from Lot E as well as those crossing to access the pathway to Clayton State East.

How to get Around the Science Building Construction

Construction of the new science building on campus will begin on or about Nov. 8, 2013. The site of the construction will be the areas currently occupied by the faculty/staff parking lot (across from the LAB) and parking lot F. However, part of parking lot F will be restored after completion of the construction.

Here is a summary of the major impacts and changes to campus parking lots and roadways during the construction, and, even if you’re not one of those people to whom a picture is worth a thousand words, here’s a link to the campus map that also illustrates the changes…

· A section of parking lot D will be designated for faculty/staff parking only to accommodate for those parking spaces affected by the construction.

· The disability parking row that is currently in the faculty/staff parking lot will be relocated to the D lot.

· Parking lot F will be closed during construction. Additional construction vehicles will park along the fence line in lot L near the tennis courts.

· A section of parking lot G will be designated for student parking only to accommodate for those parking spaces affected by the construction.

· Parking will remain available in lot E for faculty, staff, and students.

Roadway impacts

· Caldwell Drive will be closed from public use for incoming traffic just past the first entrance to parking lot D (across from Arts and Sciences Building). Traffic will be detoured through lot D at that point.

· Caldwell Drive will also be closed from public use for outgoing traffic from the G and H lots. All traffic to and from lots G and H must use Snelling Drive.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused by the construction of the science building, but with any new development, some disruption is unavoidable. However, we always try to minimize the impact on daily life as much as possible.

October, November and December 2013 Funding Opportunity Notices Available On-line

·Text USG to 23613 to sign up for text messages that will keep you updated throughout the Open Enrollment process. Messaging and data rates may apply. Frequency of alerts depends on account preferences. For Terms & Conditions, go to benetxt.com/usg. Reply STOP to cancel.

·Enroll. Get the coverage you want for 2014. Between Monday, Nov. 11, and Friday, Nov. 22, log on to the Employee Self Service System at http://portal.adp.com, then select the Benefits tab. If you have never registered, click First Time User Register Here. Your pass code is USG-6775. Follow the prompts indicated on each page.

·Certify your tobacco use status. During enrollment, certify the tobacco use status for you and your dependents age 18+ covered by a USG healthcare plan.

2014 SCCP Giving Campaign

Every year employees across the state demonstrate their compassion and generosity through the official workplace giving campaign for state employees and the University System of Georgia. Our 2014 State Charitable Contributions Program (SCCP) Annual Campaign will run through November 30, 2013. During the campaign, you will learn more about how we can address critical needs in Georgia, across the nation, and around the world by giving to the SCCP.

As always, you have the ability to direct donations to your favorite charities. Again this year, contributions can be designated to the Clayton State University Foundation, charity code 187000, to fund student scholarships and other activities supporting the University mission.

It’s quick and easy to give in three simple steps. Employees may also submit paper pledge forms to the agency campaign coordinator, Vickie Smith.

1.LOGIN at www.giveattheoffice.org/_sccp. Click LOGIN and then enter your username and password from last year; or click “I am a first time donor” to sign up by choosing your own username and password; or “I forgot my login or password” to recover your information. New donors do not have pre-assigned usernames and passwords.

2.CHOOSE how much you want to give in either a one-time gift or through payroll deduction. Online donations for payroll deduction will be validated through a separate confirmation email after the pledge has been processed (within 3 days).

It’s that time of the year for all faculty and staff to complete training required by Clayton State University, Board of Regents, and the State of Georgia.

The Right to Know (RTK), Ethics, Security Awareness, Campus Vehicle Use and Sexually Harassment courses must all be completed on an annual basis. During this time period, we ask that you also take a moment to review the updated Clayton State University Employee Handbook and complete a new Employee Handbook Acknowledgement Form. The signed Acknowledgement Form and five required courses should be completed by Dec. 1, 2013.

Here are the instructions to access and complete these trainings:

·Use your current Clayton State University user name and password to log into Employee Training.

·Review the Employee Handbook – Complete the Employee Acknowledgement Form and forward to HR.

·Required Trainings

oRight to Know (RTK) – At the end of the session, enter the requested information and submit.

oEthics – Presentation, Assessment and Compliance Agreement

§Basic – New Faculty/Staff

§Refresher 2011 – Faculty/Staff active as of Dec. 31, 2010

oSecurity Awareness – Review the presentation and complete the assessment.

oCampus Vehicle Use Training – Review the videos, complete assessments, and forward the Acknowledgement Form to HR

oSexual Harassment – Review the policy, responsibilities, and video content, then take the assessment/quiz.

For instructions on navigating the new Employee Training platform, please visit Desire2Learn Support.

First Lego League Volunteers Needed

Many of you have expressed interest in helping Clayton State University Host the 2013 First Lego League Super Regionals on Jan. 11, 2014. The event will be held in Clayton State University's University Center again and it is an all-day event.

Below, you will find two websites that can give you a great deal of information on this year's topic "Nature's Fury," how the topic will be integrated into this season, and Georgia's calendar regarding the season.

Some of you have volunteered before, so you know how much effort and preparation is required to host the event well. We will need a plethora of volunteers this year and help in fundraising and advertising. We have a great set of sub-topic leaders returning to get us moving forward, but there is plenty of work to do.

We hope to start subcommittee meetings in October and offering judge/referee trainings in November in preparation. Attached is a Doodle poll to assist in helping us put persons in volunteer areas that meet their interests. We hope that this will simplify the scheduling process by allowing the separate subcommittees to set meeting schedules once the subs are identified.